XV of France – Dupont: ''The Blacks? Always an important meeting''

Faraj Benlahoucine, Media365, published on Friday November 15, 2024 at 6:08 p.m.

During a press conference, Antoine Dupont recalled the importance of a meeting against the All Blacks with the XV of France. An opponent you should always be wary of even if the Blues have two wins against the New Zealanders.

“A match against the Blacks is always an important meeting.” If there was any doubt, Antoine Dupont recalled at a press conference that this Saturday's meeting at the Stade de France against New Zealand (kick-off at 9:10 p.m.) represented the high point of this tour of fall Therefore, distrust is in order although the Blues beat the wearers of the silver fern jersey in their last two duels “It was a different context, the team was younger, less experienced. But also in another dynamic. Today is another match, but it's still an opportunity to compete against the best in international Rugby.”

World vice-champions and runners-up in the Rugby Championship this year behind South Africa, the New Zealanders have nevertheless apparently regained their splendor. “We have learned in recent years the efforts necessary to beat this team. This is perhaps even more true today. The Blacks have found their rugby and their best level. Winning in England and Ireland back to back is not neutral. They will come to us on Saturday with full confidence, with players in full possession of their means,” noted the captain of the XV of France.

Antoine Dupont: “I feel very good”

“It's a legendary team that has made several generations of players dream. A team made up of fantastic and inspiring players and with a game that is a bit close to everything we love in France. A game of movement, of “initiative, technicality” he also deciphered, all praise for the New Zealand selection. But make no mistake, Antoine Dupont will be in full possession of his means to thwart the plans of the All Blacks. “I was just a little sick, but nothing too bad. I returned to training on Wednesday to prepare for this match as best as possible. And I feel very good” reassured the Toulouse resident, who stayed at Marcoussis at the start of the week.